Las Vegas Resorts Boost Summer Discounts Amid Declining Visitor Numbers

May 2025 was the fifth consecutive month that saw a year-over-year decline in visitor numbers to Las Vegas resorts. The visitor volume was down 6.5% to just under 3.5 million for the month.

Many casino resorts were offering summer discounts this year. Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), says Las Vegas properties are adept at adjusting their strategies during soft periods. The organization expected a relatively ‘soft summer’ early on, and a 30% boost in annual marketing spend was approved in late May. The idea was to emphasize that Las Vegas has offerings to suit every budget.

Las Vegas resorts launch promotions

Las Vegas resorts started launching promotions at the beginning of June 2025. These included deals on accommodation, parking, dining, and more.

The Plaza Hotel and Casino offered a package including a room, two meals, and unlimited alcoholic beverages for $125 per person per night. The deal also waived the resort fee.

Resorts World offered an ‘Escape to Summer’ package with 40% off room rates and a $75 daily resort credit for dining, cocktails, and cabanas. The package included complimentary self-parking, which helped to lure locals and is likely to be extended.

Sahara Las Vegas gave guests a choice of eliminating resort fees or receiving a $50 daily dining credit.

The Strat introduced a ‘Summer of Value’ package. Midweek room rates were $49, and weekend rates of $99 included resort fees, taxes, and Tower admission for two to the Tower Observation Deck.

Several resorts had packages specifically aimed at locals, from hotel discounts to deals on admission.

Fewer people may be visiting Las Vegas in person, but this isn’t stopping them from playing online casino games. The convenience of being able to play from anywhere at any time, and the great bonuses, are some of the attractions of playing online.

Economic uncertainty

Trump’s new trade policies are making consumers uneasy about the economy. They fear these will drive up prices. Travelers already complain about the high prices for food, drinks, parking, etc. at casino resorts. Tariffs and the prospect of higher prices are making consumers more pessimistic about job availability and business conditions.

The Consumer Confidence Index fell 5.4 points in June. Lows like this haven’t been seen since the early years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consumers are holding back on purchases due to the uncertainties. Economic headwinds are not Las Vegas-specific. They affect all Americans who are budget conscious.

The political climate discourages visitors

Some see the downturn as a response to government policies. These have soured visitors from countries such as Canada and Mexico. In the current political climate, there’s been a drop in international visitors to the U.S. They may decide to try out the nightlife in SE Asia rather than visit Las Vegas. Some data shows that Las Vegas has been seeing a consistent decline in overseas arrivals, with the biggest drop-off occurring in June.

Canadians are fed up with Trump’s talk about making Canada the 51st state and are funneling their travel budget back to Canada rather than visiting Las Vegas. Many Canadians are doing the patriotic thing, even those who were frequent visitors to Las Vegas in the past. The International Trade Administration reported that visitation from Canada was down 14.5%.

Optimism for 2026

Despite the tourism decline in Las Vegas, Steve Hill is confident that the numbers will bounce back. The city has various events, meetings, and trade shows lined up for this fall that should help boost traffic. For example, an automotive show in November is expected to attract about 160,000 visitors.

Other industry insiders are also optimistic. They point out that Las Vegas is typically slower in the hotter spring and summer months. The temperatures can reach great heights, which historically makes June and July some of the slowest months.

Las Vegas is also constantly reinventing itself as a destination. Several new dining and drinking hotspots have opened recently. For example, The Venetian recently opened Nomikai, a sushi restaurant. Guests can buy quick bites from the counter or experience a late-night escape in a speakeasy. Hotels are also refurbishing their pools, introducing fancy spas, etc., so guests can experience gambling and much more when staying at a casino resort.